Solo Travel Morocco -Tips For The Lone Adventurer

Love the independence of booking a single ticket? You will be glad to hear that solo travel to Morocco is considered relatively safe. Not to mention, it's also very affordable! In fact, most of our Skyhook trips are geared towards solo travellers.

The wide open sands of the Sahara, enticing peaks of the Atlas Mountains and vibrant cities are just a short flight away for most Europeans and UK citizens. It's no wonder thousands of tourists flock here each year. Like any destination, it's important to take certain precautions, especially if you are visiting alone.

In this article, we'll help you out with some advice for solo travel in Morocco. I've included a special section for female solo travellers. The most important things to remember are to respect the local culture, be aware of your surroundings and always err on the side of caution. Let's get into it!

There are a few things you can do before you even get on the plane that will ensure you get the most out of your solo trip to Morocco.

Firstly, research and plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the country, its culture, and its attractions before your trip. Plan your itinerary and have a general idea of the places you want to visit.

It's a good idea to read some blogs and reviews from people who have done the things you are interested in. Don't pay for anything upfront unless you are sure you are doing so through a reputable booking platform (like Skyhook).

Finally, you should learn basic Arabic or French phrases. While many Moroccans speak English, knowing a few phrases of local lingo shows respect (and buys you some brownie points!).

Here are some top tips for travelling to Morocco solo. Most of these are applicable to anyone visiting Morocco but are especially important if you are on your own;

It's important that you have a reliable means of communication. Internet connection is important for access to information, maps, and translation apps. If you don't want to activate your international roaming plan (who does? roaming is expensive!), you will need to buy a local sim card. Some of the big Moroccan service providers are  Orange, Inwi, and Maroc Telecom.

You can buy SIM cards and data plans at major airports. However, it will almost definitely be cheaper from Kiosks in the city or mobile provider outlets in a shopping mall. As a backup, most tourist cafes, shopping malls, and airports also have free wifi.

Utilize trusted modes of transportation like official taxis or reputable car rental services. It's also possible to book shared taxis (called grand taxis/ taxi kabir). If you take a taxi, be sure you are clear on the fee beforehand.

There are options for buses or trains over longer distances. Check schedules and buy bus tickets on the ONCF website. It's not necessary to buy tickets in advance, you can usually purchase directly from the station. Note that Moroccan public transport often experiences delays, pack a little extra patience!

Like in any destination, be cautious of your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items. Pickpocketing is a problem in Morocco and, unfortunately, tourists make easy targets. Keep your valuables secure. A flat money belt that sits close to the body is a good investment.

Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. Also, be cautious of people offering help, it's often better to politely decline unwanted assistance. Always trust your instincts and if something feels off or uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. It's better to prioritize your safety and well-being.

Consider staying in hostels or joining group tours in Morocco, which can provide opportunities to meet other travellers. This can enhance your social experience and provide a sense of community.

A common question we get about travel to North Africa is, 'Is it safe for women to travel to Morocco alone?'. The short answer is 'yes' but (as with anywhere) solo female travellers need to be aware of their surroundings and err on the side of caution. Here are some tips specifically for women travelling to Morocco;

Morocco is a conservative country, and it's advisable to dress modestly to respect local customs. This means avoiding revealing clothing and covering your shoulders and knees. Tourists are not exactly a novelty in the cities but dressing more 'blandly' will help prevent any unwanted attention.

No matter how progressive your home country is, you need to respect the culture of the people and places you are visiting. Familiarize yourself with local norms. Be aware of behaviour standards and dress codes in more conservative areas and if you are visiting religious structures.

As a general rule, it's best to avoid walking alone at night. Steer clear of unfamiliar or poorly lit areas after dark. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas (or tourist zones) and use reliable transportation to get home in the evening.

Choose accommodation with good reviews and consider staying in well-known tourist areas. It's also a good idea to inform the staff at your hotel or riad about your plans for the day. That way, they can give you advice and will know approximately when to expect you back.

A fantastic option for solo travellers is to join an organized group tour. This offers a sense of security and provides the social benefits of meeting like-minded individuals. the following Morocco group tours are available through Skyhook;

Note: If you book these tours, you will be able to talk to fellow guests before you get to Morocco.